Rustic Paula Deen Pumpkin Pie Recipe with Southern Charm

Pumpkin pie whispers autumn’s most delectable secret, a luscious dessert that transforms ordinary ingredients into pure culinary magic.

Fragrant spices weave through each silky slice, creating a symphony of comfort and warmth.

Generations have savored this beloved classic, passing down recipes that speak volumes about family connection.

Creamy and inviting, this dessert transcends mere food, it’s an emotional landscape of memories and tradition.

Every forkful carries the essence of cozy gatherings and festive celebrations.

Bakers adore its simplicity, while food lovers crave its rich, velvety texture.

This recipe promises to elevate your dessert game and fill your kitchen with irresistible aromas that beckon loved ones closer.

Grab your mixing bowl and let’s craft a slice of seasonal bliss that will become your new favorite tradition!

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 1 hour

Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes

Calories: 350 kcal

Servings: 8

Ingredients for Paula Deen’s Pumpkin Pie

• Pie Dough: Select a high-quality, all-butter pastry for rich, flaky texture.
• Foil: Use heavy-duty aluminum foil for precise crust protection.
• Pie Weights: Choose ceramic or metal weights for even heat distribution.

• Cream Cheese: Select full-fat, room temperature for smooth blending.
• Canned Pumpkin: Opt for pure pumpkin puree, not pie filling.
• Sugar: Use granulated white sugar for consistent sweetness.
• Salt: Pick fine-grain sea salt for balanced flavor enhancement.

• Eggs: Select fresh, large eggs at room temperature.
• Half-and-Half: Choose organic for richer, creamier consistency.
• Melted Butter: Use unsalted butter for precise flavor control.
• Vanilla Extract: Select pure vanilla for deeper, more complex notes.
• Cinnamon: Pick freshly ground for vibrant, warm aromatics.
• Ground Ginger: Use optional spice for subtle, warming undertones.

Equipment You’ll Need for Pumpkin Pie Baking

• Oven: Preheats to the perfect temperature for baking the pie.
• 9-inch pie pan: Essential for creating the classic pie shape.
• Mixing bowl: Large enough to blend all filling ingredients smoothly.
• Electric mixer or whisk: Helps beat cream cheese and mix ingredients effortlessly.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Ensures precise ingredient amounts for a perfect pie.
• Foil: Used to line the pie crust during initial baking.
• Pie weights or dried beans: Keeps the crust flat during pre-baking.
• Wire rack: Provides even cooling after baking.
• Spatula: Helps scrape and spread filling evenly in the crust.
• Sharp knife: Perfect for slicing the pie when serving.

How to Make Pumpkin Pie the Paula Deen Way

• Prepare the Oven

Fire up your oven to a toasty 350°F, creating the perfect warm environment for your pumpkin pie adventure.

• Craft the Crust

Roll out your pie dough and gently nestle it into the pan, lovingly pressing it against the bottom and sides. Pinch the edges with your fingertips to create a beautiful border. Pop the crust into the freezer for an hour to firm up. Cover with foil and fill with ceramic weights or dried beans. Bake for 10 minutes, then remove the weights and continue baking until the crust turns a delicate golden hue.

• Mix the Magical Filling

In a big mixing bowl, whip the cream cheese until it’s silky smooth. Fold in the pumpkin puree, blending until perfectly combined. Sprinkle in sugar and a pinch of salt, stirring with care. Crack in the eggs, pour the half-and-half and melted butter, then add a splash of vanilla and a generous dash of cinnamon. Whisk everything together until the mixture becomes a harmonious autumn symphony.

• Bake and Transform

Pour the luscious filling into the warm crust, sliding it gently into the oven. Let it bake for about 50 minutes, watching for the center to set and become slightly firm – a sign of pie perfection.

• Cool and Celebrate

Let the pie rest on a wire rack, allowing it to cool completely. When the moment is right, slice and crown each piece with a fluffy cloud of whipped cream. The pie reaches its peak flavor when it’s cooled to room temperature, letting the filling set into creamy bliss.

Tips to Perfect Pumpkin Pie

Experiment with nutmeg, allspice, or cardamom to add unexpected warmth and depth to your traditional pumpkin pie flavor profile.

Swap traditional pie crust with a nut-based or gluten-free graham cracker crust for those with dietary restrictions.

Sprinkle toasted pecans, drizzle caramel sauce, or add a maple cream cheese frosting to elevate the classic dessert.

Use room temperature ingredients to ensure smooth, lump-free filling and prevent cracking during baking.

Serving Up Paula Deen’s Pumpkin Pie

• Garnish with Whipped Cream Clouds: Top each pie slice with fluffy, billowing whipped cream for a classic and luxurious finishing touch that adds creamy contrast to the spiced pumpkin filling.
• Sprinkle Seasonal Spice Blend: Dust the whipped cream with a light sprinkle of ground cinnamon, nutmeg, or pumpkin pie spice to enhance the warm autumnal flavors and create a visually appealing presentation.
• Pair with Cozy Beverage: Serve alongside a steaming mug of hot coffee, spiced chai latte, or rich hot chocolate to complement the pie's warm, comforting essence and create a delightful dessert experience.
• Add Candied Nut Crunch: Scatter toasted pecans or candied walnuts around the plate for a delightful textural contrast and an extra layer of nutty sweetness that elevates the entire dessert.

How to Store Leftover Pumpkin Pie with Ease

• Store Fresh and Fabulous: Keep your pumpkin pie covered with plastic wrap or aluminum foil in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The cool environment maintains its creamy texture and prevents bacterial growth.
• Freeze with Care: Wrap the cooled pie tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then place in a freezer-safe container. Frozen pumpkin pie stays delicious for 1-2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving to preserve its smooth consistency.
• Slice and Serve Strategy: Cut the pie only when you're ready to enjoy. Individual slices can be stored separately in airtight containers for easy grab-and-go dessert moments. Refrigerate sliced portions to keep them fresh and tasty.
• Temperature Matters: Always serve pumpkin pie chilled or at cool room temperature. Avoid leaving the pie out at warm temperatures for more than 2 hours to ensure food safety and maintain its delightful flavor profile.

Rustic Paula Deen Pumpkin Pie Recipe

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4.6 from 21 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Creamy Paula Deen pumpkin pie combines Southern hospitality with classic autumn flavors. Silky spiced filling nestles in a buttery crust, inviting you to savor seasonal comfort on a delightful plate.

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Ingredients

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• 1 (226 g / 8 oz) softened cream cheese
• 2 cups (480 ml) mashed canned pumpkin
• 1 cup (200 g) sugar
• 1 piece pre-made pie dough
• 1 plus 2 egg yolks, slightly beaten egg
• 1 cup (240 ml) half and half
• ¼ cup (60 ml) melted butter
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ½ tsp ground cinnamon
• ¼ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp optional ground ginger
• whipped cream for topping

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Instructions

1. Pie Crust Preparation: Preheat oven to 180°C/350°F. Carefully drape pie dough into a 9-inch pan, pressing against bottom and sides with gentle precision. Crimp edges elegantly, then freeze for 1 hour. Line with foil and pie weights, baking for 10 minutes. Remove weights and foil, return to oven for additional 10 minutes until lightly golden.
2. Filling Foundation: In a large mixing bowl, whip cream cheese until silky smooth. Incorporate canned pumpkin, blending until completely unified. Mix in sugar and salt, creating a velvety consistency.
3. Spice and Moisture Integration: Delicately fold eggs, half-and-half, and melted butter into the mixture. Introduce vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and optional ground ginger, stirring until spices distribute evenly throughout the filling.
4. Baking Transformation: Pour filling into pre-baked crust, ensuring an even surface. Slide into preheated oven and bake for approximately 50 minutes, monitoring for a subtle center jiggle that signals perfect custard consistency.
5. Cooling and Presentation: Transfer pie to wire rack, allowing complete cooling for filling to set and flavors to harmonize. When serving, slice with precision and garnish with a cloud-like dollop of freshly whipped cream.

Notes

• Chill the Crust: Freezing the pie crust for 60 minutes creates a sturdy, flaky base that prevents soggy bottoms and maintains crisp edges during baking.
• Blind Bake with Precision: Using pie weights or dried beans prevents the crust from puffing up, ensuring an even, golden-brown foundation for your pumpkin pie.
• Smooth Filling Technique: Whip cream cheese thoroughly and incorporate ingredients gradually to achieve a silky, lump-free filling that guarantees a velvety texture.
• Check Doneness Carefully: Look for a subtle jiggle in the pie’s center when baking – this indicates a perfectly cooked custard-like filling that will set beautifully while cooling.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 30 g
• Sodium: 200 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 40 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 5 g
• Cholesterol: 100 mg